IYSA received very sad word that Kirk Urso (22), one of our former ODP players, passed away Sunday in Columbus. He was currently playing with the Columbus Crew.

Kirk’s death is a great loss for the soccer community and world as a whole. We have known Kirk and stayed in contact through the years. He was involved in the Illinois Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program as a player and as a coach-in-training. His warm personality, great work ethic, and outstanding soccer skills made Kirk a role model for the younger players. Kirk has positively impacted so many people and he will be missed. He has a great family and our thoughts and prayers are with them.